Basically, my problem is that I still have 2 full years of college left, I am trying to move out of my parent's house, and I want to drop out of college.

I can draw like nobody's business. I'm not being stuck up or arrogant, I am just quite good at creating 2-D artwork. Can't I make money without going to college? This does not make any sense, why do I have to go to college? It's a waste of money and I get very little out of it. Usually, I just go to class, draw for 3 hours, the teacher says good job (she's a really nice woman I have nothing against her), and then I go home and ponder what I am going to do with my life and how I am giong to pay for everything.

I don't want to be rich. I just want to make this work somehow.

Is there anyway out of this?? Surely someone else has been through the same experience. I need someone older and wiser to offer advice.

Help please. Thanks.

You might want to drop out of college, but if you do you will most likely regret it. A few friends of mine said that not finishing college was their biggest regret. Most places, when you do find a job will require that you have a degree and/or experience and you can get both of those by going to school.

Stay in school. I have an art degree and have worked as a freelancer since graduating. Honestly it's a hard business to work in and that degree will open doors to a career not just a job.

If you really are talented at producing 2-D artwork there are some things that you can do to make some money, add to a resume, and build portfolio work.

1.)Try finding an internship: There are design/ad firms out there that will hire interns and a lot of them require that you be in school. This will not be a dream job, but you will learn about the industry and be exposed to opportunity. Some even offer grads jobs when you finish school. You might even be able to get involved in production of artwork once they see that your serious.

2.)Enter in competitions: CMYK mag is one of the top places to get your work into. It's only for students. But big names scour these types of publications for upcoming talent. Look into numerous ones.

3.)Caricature Drawing: Sounds weird, but I had a professor who started his career as a caricature artist in the summer at Six Flags and then Disney World. He has since gone on to become a successful illustrator. He loved to tell us how he got paid to practice drawing.

4.) Learn Digital Techniques: Now everything revolves around DIGITAL. If you can't use the latest software, learn. It will make you more valuable to people who want to hire you. Also, make a website, and a nifty business card. If you meet a connection, pass your card to them and tell them about your website. This is a valuable tool.


I know that it's difficult to see what kind of future you have in front of you. I've been there. Just stick with school, learn formally from artists, and develop your creative thinking skills. That's what is going to help you be a successful working artist. It's also what formal employers are looking for.

Hi, pineappledeluxe!

It's true that you'll most likely be able to get further in a shorter amount of time, after you've completed some kind of formal training. That's not to say that you can't do it on your own, though.

Are there any other mediums that you use in art besides drawing, please?

Thanks!

HI clough. Thanks for the response. I am doing portrait work right now with dry pastels. I also have some experience with acrylic paint.

Hi again, pineappledeluxe!

I know that there are a number of folks who are members of this site who would love to see what you do! Would you be willing to post some images of what you do on this site?

I'm thinking of starting another major art thread for art that is in a bunch of kinds of mediums as well as disciplines.

Thanks!

I just came across this thread, and I was going to suggest the same thing that Clough recommended to you. If you post some of your work, we might be able to get a better sense of where you're at and what your strengths might be. I think you would have a much better chance of stimulating some more ideas and perhaps appropriate advice that way. Don't be shy about it! There's no point in sitting on the work if getting it out there could help you in any way.

I hope you decide to post some images. If you do, I will definitely come back in to take a look to see if I can help you out.

I think you need practical help in using your talents to make money now. There are businesses that buy drawings and photographs. Hopefully that would enable you to raise cash now.
Karen
Get paid for drawing and photography

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